Garden village considered near Stone

Stafford Borough Council has announced that it will consider including proposals for a garden village if the government decides to build a railhead for HS2 in Stone.

The garden village would be built on Ministry of Defence land and would include homes, a school and a doctor’s surgery.

Stafford Borough Council has previously opposed HS2 proposals, but said that it is working to ensure that the area “would not miss out on any economic boost if the high-speed line goes ahead”.

This follows a recent announcement by the council that a £500 million Stafford Station Gateway masterplan would transform the area surrounding the existing railway station, which will be a hub stop for HS2.

It is now looking at the benefits that could be achieved should the railhead come to Stone, including a new permanent junction off the M6 being built to support it and boost access to businesses. A garden village could relieve the pressure to build more homes in other towns and villages across the borough, according to the council.

The council, neighbouring local authorities, and local enterprise partnerships that form the ‘Constellation Partnership’ plan to engage the government to progress opportunities that HS2 will bring. Additionally, the council is reviewing its local plan and is asking landowners to pinpoint land they would like considered for development.

Council leader Patrick Farrington said: “I have always been clear that if what is proposed as part of the HS2 project goes ahead, then as a borough we should capitalise on any economic gains that this brings.

“The idea of a new garden settlement is only at the concept stage and entirely dependent on HS2 and the government confirming their plans before we could develop ours in any detail.

“If and when they progress they would be part of the local plan and subject to detailed consultation with local residents.”